Costa Rica Inheritance Law - Minors

The properties left to them may be registered at the Public Registry under their names. However, the minors are not yet able to manage these properties. This means that a guardian must be assigned in order to execute in behalf of the young recipient. If there’s an absence of the guardian on the recipient’s side then the government will appoint one in accordance of the law. The Costa Rican Family Code specifies the order as follows: Grandparents (1st priority), Brothers or sisters of legal age (2nd) and uncles or aunts (3rd). However, in the instance of the refusal of these individuals to take over the responsibility, then the court can assign an independent guardian.

Friendly advice for Costa Rica property owners

In order to avoid hassles when the time comes, here are some tips that can be done:

•    Determine if the property deed was already registered at the Public Registry. This can be done by asking for a confirmation document from the Notary Public. Foreigners must also make sure to acquire this document because it may be forgotten once they leave the country.
•    Consult with qualified lawyers on the validity and legality of the properties purchased in order to avoid confusion.
•    For foreigners, it would be advisable to get a guardian or property caretaker while you travel abroad. This is to ensure the maintenance of the property and the avoidance of illegal activities in the area (such as the presence of squatters).